Exhibitions at Abbey House Museum
Originally the inner gatehouse of Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152, the site of Abbey House Museum became a house in the 1500s, after Henry VIII disdisolved the monasteries.
Offering a varied history inbetween, Abbey House Museum, first opened to the public as a museum in 1927. Our 3 Victorian streets, Abbey Fold, Harewood Square, and Stephen Harding Gate, were first developed in the 1950s, and have changed over time ever since.
Current and upcoming exhibitions
Victorian streets
Step back in time and wander through the enchanting streets, shops and houses to experience life as a Victorian in Leeds.
Visit Stephen Harding Gate, the 19th century equivalent of a modern high street for some retail therapy. Take a break in the traditional Victorian drinking house called Hark to Rover Inn, and see objects dating back over 100 years from our collection.
Compare the standards of living with today, and discover how people lived, worked and were educated in Victorian England.
Abbey Fold
Explore the poorer residential district of Abbey Fold, which looks at life and death in Victorian times. Think about how different people washed their clothes, warmed their homes, and entertained themselves compared to the richer residents.
How does the warm comfortable home of the successful pawnbroker compare to the chilly premises of the poor undertakers?
Leeds Burmantofts Pottery
Don't miss 'shopping' in at Burmantofts Pottery whilst visiting our Victorian Streets.
Leeds-based Burmantofts Pottery manufactured ceramics for almost a century, producing bricks, tiles, pipeworks, and more. But they’re famous today for their glazed ceramic pottery made between 1880-1904.
Examples of Burmantofts tiles can still be seen today around the city, such as in Leeds Art Gallery's Tiled Hall Café, the Country Arcade and University of Leeds buildings. You can also spot Burmantofts on a store tour at Leeds Discovery Centre, and in our heritage houses Lotherton and Temple Newsam.
Childhood Galleries
Explore our Childhood Galleries upstairs in the museum with our growing collection of toys, memorabilia and nostalgia. See a fascinating range of toys, games and 19th century dolls on display.
Spot iconic toys from your childhood and see how they have changed throughout the years.
Play and relax in the museum with a selection of toys and books to enjoy in our comfortable spaces, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to while away an afternoon!
Penny Arcade
The museum is also home to a large collection of reconditioned original penny slot machines, some of which are still in excellent working order.
Buy an old fashioned penny from the vending machine to play on the slot machines and see how people in the 19th century were entertained.
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